Scarning care home plan near Dereham faces objections

Some are worried it'd be too close to a dangerous junction with the A47

Author: Owen Sennitt, LDRSPublished 30th Oct 2023

Plans to build a new care home at the edge of a Norfolk town look set for approval despite several objections.

Breckland Council officials have recommended members give the go-ahead for the 60-bed home on land east of Draytonhall Lane in Scarning, at the western edge of Dereham.

It is hoped it will create a “much-needed” care facility to help support the growing demand for bed spaces in the area.

However, the plans have faced backlash from both Scarning Parish Council and Dereham Town Council, who have “strongly objected” due to fears it would be built in an unsuitable location.

Members have argued it will be located close to a dangerous junction with the A47 and are worried that patients, particularly those with dementia, may wander off near the road which could “end in tragedy”.

There are also concerns it could impact protected conservation areas nearby and archaeologists have requested to be allowed to conduct excavations due to the large quantity of Roman artefacts found nearby.

Councillors will vote on whether to approve the outline planning permission this week.

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